University City Will Not Pursue Loop Parking Proposal

It appears University City won't be charging motorists to pay to park in the Loop.

City staff will recommend eliminating the proposal for charging a $1.00 for evening parking in the Loop, pending further discussion, said City Manager Lehman Walker at Monday night's final public hearing on the FY 2011-2012 Budget.

Under Walker's parking initiative, motorists would have been charged $1.00 for night parking at two City owned lots, which currently have no parking fees. The lots are located behind Cicero's, Market Pub House and Starbucks.

The City estimated the parking fee would have generated at least $210,000 a year.

Walker said the changes came about as a result of some feedback from councilmembers and the public.

Loop business owners had vigorously fought the idea of an evening parking charge. Joe Edwards, owner of Blueberry Hill said the fee would hurt business and send people to other places that offer free parking. 

Still on the table is the possibility of limiting the hours of operation of Heman Community Center. Walker said staff is proposing that councilmembers finalize a decision on Heman's hours. No final decision has been made on the issue, but Walker said staff is looking at the possibility of transferring the senior program from Heman to Centennial Commons.  Currently, U City seniors use the center every afternoon. 

Walker's budget initiatives would close  during the week, renting it out only on weekends.